KEY TAKEAWAYS
A low water year in Utah left the entire state abnormally dry and 76% in severe drought.
The Great Salt Lake level is also declining amid a hot summer and increased usage.
Officials continue to urge water conservation as reservoirs decline rapidly.
SALT LAKE CITY — The entire state of Utah is experiencing the effects of drought right now.
The latest informational report from the U.S. Drought Monitor shows that 100% of the state is abnormally dry, and nearly 76% is in severe drought. The map also shows that a little more than 15% in Utah is in extreme drought.
Drought is often called a "creeping disaster." The start and end of a drought are often difficult to define. Because of this, the Division of Water Resources works with the Utah Climate Center, the Utah Department